The U.S. Secret Service faces “deep flaws” that demand immediate attention to prevent future assassination attempts, according to a harshly critical report. An independent panel released its findings on the July 13 shooting incident at a Donald Trump rally, indicating that the agency has become “bureaucratic, complacent, and static.”
The 52-page report emphasized the need for a leadership overhaul, citing numerous failures that allowed the attack on the Republican presidential candidate to occur. The Secret Service has already recognized its shortcomings, leading to the resignation of its director shortly after the incident.
In response to the report, acting director Ronald Rowe stated that the agency will thoroughly evaluate the recommendations. Rowe noted that significant improvements have already been made in operational readiness, communications, and protective measures for the former president.
The report, compiled by state and national law enforcement officials, commended the agents who protect the nation’s top officials while highlighting critical leadership and cultural failures within the agency. These included a “troubling lack of critical thinking” and staff hesitancy to express concerns.
It pointed out that the issues are “systemic or cultural” and called for “fundamental reform,” including the removal of key leadership figures “as soon as possible.” The panel warned Department of Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas that without reform, another attack could occur.
Following the shooting incident in Butler, where a gunman attempted to assassinate Trump at a campaign rally, President Joe Biden mandated a bipartisan review of the Secret Service. The assailant, Thomas Matthew Crooks, discharged eight rounds during the rally, resulting in one fatality and injuring Trump. The Secret Service fatally shot Crooks during the incident.
The panel recommended that all outdoor events be monitored using overhead surveillance technology to enhance safety. In a related incident, another gunman was apprehended near Trump at his golf course in Palm Beach, Florida, after a rifle was spotted amid shrubbery nearby.
